Chaos erupted on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Thursday after a fuel tanker spilled its contents across the road, drawing a crowd of residents who rushed to scoop the petrol.The incident happened when the tanker reportedly lost control and discharged a large volume of fuel onto the expressway.
Within minutes, videos circulating online showed dozens of people with jerrycans, buckets, and bottles collecting the spilled fuel from the drainage and road surface.Despite the obvious danger, many residents ignored warnings about possible fire or explosion.
Emergency responders including fire service personnel and traffic officials arrived at the scene to cordon off the area and prevent a disaster. They urged people to vacate immediately due to the high risk of ignition.Traffic was heavily disrupted for hours as authorities worked to evacuate the area and clear the fuel. Motorists were diverted to alternative routes while cleanup operations were ongoing to prevent environmental damage and further accidents.
Officials have cautioned against scooping fuel from accident scenes, citing past incidents that led to deadly explosions. They are calling for better public sensitization on safety risks and for drivers to report tanker accidents early to avoid similar occurrences.
